Croatian town on the search for biggest blitva leaf

by croatiaweek
October 4, 2024
in Entertainment

Blitvijada Festival in Podgora (Photo: Visit Podgora)

The Blitvijada festival returns this weekend in the scenic Croatian coastal town of Podgora.

This celebration revolves around blitva (Swiss chard), a staple of Dalmatian cuisine, and marks the start of “veggie month” in October.

The festival promotes healthy living through a variety of creative blitva-based dishes and products, including the unique blitva ice cream, known as “blitvar.”

This year’s Blitvijada brings some fun competition.

The biggest Swiss chard leaf in in Podgora will be judged. Only Podgora-grown chard counts.

Also, the best Swiss chard dish in Podgora and the speediest Swiss chard cleaner.

(Photo: Podgora Tourist Board)

Attendees can enjoy a diverse culinary experience, with everything from ice creams and cheeses to gin and kombucha, as well as hands-on workshops featuring traditional Dalmatian dishes like blitvenjak and soparnik from OPG Ivan Očašić.

(Photo: Visit Podgora)

Restaurants in Podgora will also offer special blitva-themed menus throughout October, showcasing its versatility in Mediterranean cuisine.

Blitvijada offers much more than food, with a packed programme of activities for all ages. Visitors can participate in workshops, explore blitva-inspired art, and enjoy live music, circus performances, and the exciting new BlitvaRun TRAIL race.

For the music lovers, Belfast Food and DJ Dupli will be serving up the tunes.

(Photo: Visit Podgora)

The festival blends culinary creativity, fitness, and culture, while celebrating the Mediterranean lifestyle in the stunning setting of Podgora, attracting both locals and newcomers.